Abstract: The invention provides microRNA markers and methods for determining the risk a subject has for developing mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI). In some aspects, the methods further include determine the fitness of a subject for participating in an activity with increased chances of receiving a head impact. Certain embodiments are directed to kits designed for these purposes.

Abstract: The invention provides biomarkers and methods for determining the risk of a subject for developing mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI). In some aspects, the methods of the invention also determine the fitness of a subject for participating in an activity with increased chances of receiving a head impact. Some embodiments of the invention are directed to kits for determining the risk of a subject for developing mTBI or the fitness of a subject for participating in an activity with increased chances of receiving a head impact.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for diagnosing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by assessing the expression level of a marker, FGGY. In other aspects, the present invention is also directed to systems and methods of establishing a prognosis of ALS disease severity by assessing the expression level of FGGY.

Abstract: The invention provides biomarkers and methods for determining the risk of a subject for developing mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI). In some aspects, the methods of the invention also determine the fitness of a subject for participating in an activity with increased chances of receiving a head impact. Some embodiments of the invention are directed to kits for determining the risk of a subject for developing mTBI or the fitness of a subject for participating in an activity with increased chances of receiving a head impact.

Abstract: The invention provides microRNA markers and methods for determining the risk a subject has for developing mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI). In some aspects, the methods further include determine the fitness of a subject for participating in an activity with increased chances of receiving a head impact. Certain embodiments are directed to kits designed for these purposes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for diagnosing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by assessing the expression level of a marker, FGGY. In other aspects, the present invention is also directed to systems and methods of establishing a prognosis of ALS disease severity by assessing the expression level of FGGY.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making determinations regarding the state of cognition within a subject by determining whether a plurality of miRNAs has deregulated biological expression in a sample from the subject. The present invention also provides methods of making determinations regarding the potential severity of pathologies associated with neurodegenerative disorders by determining whether a plurality of miRNAs has deregulated biological expression in a sample from the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of purifying RNA from a biological sample comprising two separate aqueous extractions of the organic phase obtained by mixing the biological sample with a first solution comprising guanidinium isothiocyanate and beta-mercaptoethanol and a second solution comprising phenol, chloroform, and isoamyl alcohol. Also provided are methods of sequencing RNA purified from a biological sample and methods of diagnosing Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease in a subject by determining whether a plurality of miRNAs has deregulated expression in biological sample from the subject.